The Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, more commonly known as the Manayunk Bike Race, is back for its 26th year on Sunday, June 6.
The race is the “longest running and most important single-day cycling road race in the United States,” according to the Pro Cycling Tour website.
It is 156 miles long and consists of ten laps from the Ben Franklin Parkway to the top of the Manayunk Wall and three laps of Lemon Hill and Logan Circle.
For the professional women cyclists, the Liberty Classic happens at the same time, on the same course, but consists of 57.6 miles.
There are also a couple chances for amateur riders to try out the grueling course.
The Amateur Time Trials on Saturday gives all riders a chance to take on a shortened version of the course and compete for cash.
If being timed makes you a little nervous, but you’d still like to try out the course, AstraZeneca offers the opportunity to do just that with its Wellness Challenge. It takes place before the actual race from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. All riders 12 and older can take on the challenge. Click here to learn more and to register.
For some, Sunday is more about the party than the actual bike race.
Mad River Bar and Grille in Manayunk is hosting an all-day outdoor party for the bike race. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. they are giving away McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches.
There will be live music all day and drink specials from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go to manayunkbikerace.com for more information and to buy tickets.
